Tandag
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Empty
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Tandag is a sandy, exposed beach-break area on the eastern coast of Mindanao, offering regular surf with both left and right waves. The break is described as fun, with good wave quality, and typical rides are short (under 50 meters). The area is also noted for scattered rocks near the surf break, so approach and take-off/landing zones need extra care. For surfing, conditions are described as best around mid to high tide, and the spot tends to be most user-friendly early in the morning before the Northeast Monsoon winds build and can add chop. It’s also characterized as generally uncrowded, with weekdays reported as empty and weekends as not much busier. Wind conditions align with the Amihan/Northeast Monsoon season: November through March is identified as the main period when winds are suitable for kiteboarding opportunities. Reported winds are typically in the 15–20 knots range with light gusts, and the prevailing directions cluster around NE/ENE, which can create workable side-onshore setups for freeriding along the coast. Water temperatures are warm year-round (late spring/early summer reaching higher values, with January–March in the high-20s °C). Local guidance also emphasizes morning sessions and practical access from the national road, while noting limited parking availability. Overall, Tandag is positioned as a low-profile, community-oriented option compared with more internationally prominent Philippine destinations.
- Regular beach-break with right and left waves
- Short, fun rides generally under 50 meters
- Amihan/Northeast Monsoon supports wind sports November to March
- Generally uncrowded
- Fun beach break with regular left and right waves
- Often very low crowding, especially on weekdays
- Amihan/Northeast Monsoon season supports wind sports from November to March
- Warm water year-round
- Shallow areas and scattered rocks near the break
- Surf can become choppy when winds pick up during the monsoon
- Rescue availability is limited
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE
- Wind Range
- 15–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season with trade/easterly winds; kitesurfing can work during November to March with side-onshore components.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with some rocky sections depending on exact positioning.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Generally empty or very low crowds on weekdays; slightly more locals on weekends.
December to February typically sees the highest rainfall; the region is within the Philippine typhoon belt with a risk window from June to December.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Emerging option during the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season, with side-onshore winds that can suit freeriding along the coast.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
Regular beach-break with both right and left waves; best when swell/wind line up during the North Pacific swell period.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Also described as working across rising and falling tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- During the Northeast Monsoon, conditions can get choppy; early mornings are often cleaner.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Fun power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Typically under 50 meters.
- Ride Length Details
- Rides generally under 50 meters; commonly described as short rides.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tandag in the full forecast view.
Tandag wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–8 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- NNE32°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 308 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.1 m8s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tandag is forecast for daytime winds of 1–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.7–1.1 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated private water-sports rescue service; safety depends on local responders/Coast Guard coverage.
Rules of the spot
- For surfing, aim for the early morning before the wind picks up.
- The spot can be accessed directly from the national road.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tandag
- Nearest Town
- Tandag
- Parking
- Limited parking along the road or near local beach resorts.
- Access
- Accessible from the national road that runs along the coastline.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Tagalog, Bisaya
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several budget guesthouses and hotels are available in Tandag City.
- Food & Drink
- Local eateries and markets are available within the city center.
- Equipment Rental:
- Basic surfboard rentals are available via local groups; specialized kitesurfing/wingfoiling gear must be brought by the traveler.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A limestone island accessible by boat featuring caves and views of the Tandag coastline.
Boat trips to nearby islets and sandbars along the Surigao del Sur coast.
Local eateries serving fresh seafood and Filipino cuisine along the boulevard.
A popular local beach area for picnics and swimming during low tide.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tandag?
The best overall months at Tandag are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Tandag?
Tandag works with NE, ENE winds.
What skill level is Tandag suitable for?
Tandag suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner.